I'm a Weight Loss Doctor and Here's How the New Oral Wegovy Compares to the Shot for Patients Over 50

Are you over 50 and confused about the prescription weight-loss drug options on the market? If so, you're not alone. Although GLP-1 injections have been on the market for almost 20 years for treating type-2 diabetes, their popularity for weight loss has surged in recent years.

The drug maker Novo Nordisk recently received FDA approval to introduce Wegovy in pill form. But how does the oral form compare to the injectable? Are they both as effective? Do they offer the same benefits and risks? Which option is best suited for your weight loss journey if you're over 50 years old?

We spoke with Dr. Bronwyn Holmes, MD, member of Eden's Medical Advisory Board, to learn how the new oral Wegovy compares to the shot for patients over 50. Educating yourself so you can make the right choice for your own situation is the best first step you can take.

Dr. Holmes takes Wegovy, so she shares her first-hand perspective and expert feedback.

"I notice that both the oral Wegovy pill and the injectable version contain the ingredient: semaglutide. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps the body regulate appetite, insulin, and weight," Dr. Holmes explains. "The main difference is the delivery method for the Wegovy pill and the delivery method for the version. The main difference is also how the body absorbs the Wegovy pill compared with how the body absorbs the version."

Here's how the new oral Wegovy compares to the shot for patients—especially those over 50.

Wegovy injections enter directly into the patient's bloodstream. The oral form of Wegovy, however, goes through the digestive tract into the stomach for absorption.

Although this may not sound like a big difference, it can be for some individuals. The Wegovy pill may cause GI side effects—more-so than its injectable counterpoint. These can include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Injectable Wegovy must be refrigerated, while the pill form does not. Hence, the pill offers convenience for individuals who travel or are on the road a lot. The pill form may also be more convenient to receive and maintain in rural settings.

As with any courses of medication, consistency is key. It's important to take this into consideration when deciding based on your lifestyle and living situation.

The pill must be taken daily to be effective, whereas the injection is taken one time per week. Whether it may be challenging to remember to take each day, or your busy schedule may throw off your routine, give this careful thought. Not taking regular doses of oral Wegovy can compromise its performance.

"I have seen people who already take pills. If a person already takes the thyroid medicine, the blood pressure medicine or the diabetes medicine then adding a morning GLP-1 feels like a part of the day and does not feel like a burden," Dr. Holmes tells us. "I think the pill also requires a level of dosing precision. The pill may expand access. The pill is not inherently easier unless habits align. Trial data show that adherence is key to results."

Many people have a fear—or dislike—of needles, making the pill a more favorable option.

"People with needle aversion now have an option. Patients who avoid or delay care because of fear of injections can use the option," Dr. Holmes shares.

If you're curious about what else GLP-1s can do, check out 5 Surprising Health Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs That Have Nothing to Do With Weight Loss.